Unlocking the North West’s growth potential: A conference recap

Industry leaders and economic experts convened in Manchester to chart a course for the North West’s future prosperity.

On 21 May, 2024, a dynamic conference brought together key figures from business, government, and academia to explore the North West’s trajectory towards becoming a powerhouse of growth and productivity by 2035. The event, co-hosted by Deloitte and The Productivity Institute’s North West Productivity Forum, was held at the prestigious Alliance Manchester Business School.

Setting the stage for growth

The conference kicked off with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring prominent regional figures Ken McPhail and Lou Cordwell OBE, alongside renowned economist Ian Stewart, Chief Economist at Deloitte. This session, expertly moderated by Jo Ahmed, Senior Partner in Deloitte’s North West practice, delved into the North West’s unique strengths and the strategic steps needed to unlock its full economic potential.

Insights from leading voices

The day continued with stimulating dialogues featuring a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and a former Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls, offering valuable perspectives on national economic policies and their impact on the North West.  Greater Manchester’s influential Mayor, Andy Burnham, provided a captivating keynote address, outlining his vision for the region’s future.

Deep dives and collaboration

The afternoon saw delegates actively participating in focused breakout sessions. These sessions tackled crucial themes (skills, technology and net zero) related to the North West’s growth trajectory, fostering collaboration and generating valuable insights, with working groups focussing on the key drivers for enabling sustainable high economic growth for the North West.

A global perspective

The event attracted a distinguished audience, including leaders from prominent North West and international businesses. Additionally, diplomats representing several European nations (Spain, Italy, Ireland) and honorary consuls from across the globe (Iceland, Japan, Switzerland, Brazil) were present, underscoring the North West’s significance on the world stage.

A call to action

The conference concluded with a comprehensive wrap-up session led by Richard Jones, providing a clear picture of the key takeaways and actionable steps for propelling the North West towards a prosperous future. This event served as a catalyst for continued collaboration and a shared commitment to realising the North West’s full potential.